What does M+S on tires mean?
4 Answers
Tire M+S refers to the abbreviation of Mud Terrain, where S is the abbreviation of snow, indicating suitability for snowy conditions. This type of tire is designed for use on icy, snowy, and muddy roads, featuring lateral or block tread patterns for better grip, though it comes with higher rolling resistance and noise levels, making it suitable as an off-road tire. The functions of tires include: 1. Supporting the entire weight of the vehicle and bearing the load; 2. Transmitting traction and braking torque to ensure adhesion between the wheels and the road surface. Tire maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly cleaning stones from the tire treads; 2. Minimizing exposure to direct sunlight; 3. Promptly checking tire pressure; 4. Paying attention to suspension maintenance; 5. Periodically inspecting front wheel alignment; 6. Adopting careful driving practices, such as choosing road surfaces carefully to avoid objects that could puncture or damage the tires, and steering clear of chemical spills that may corrode the tires.
I just got new tires the other day and happened to research this marking. M+S actually stands for Mud and Snow, meaning these tires are designed for muddy and snowy conditions. The tread patterns on these tires are deeper and wider, with more grooves than regular tires, specifically engineered for slippery surfaces. I've noticed significantly better water drainage during light rain, and they didn't slip at all when I drove on muddy country roads last time. However, I should remind you that having M+S doesn't mean they're genuine snow tires. In extremely cold regions, you'll still need dedicated winter tires with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. I feel quite secure using them now, but if you frequently encounter heavy snowfall in your area, I'd recommend visiting a professional shop to get snow chains or switch to specialized snow tires.
I often encounter customers asking about this symbol when working at the auto repair shop. Simply put, it indicates special tires suitable for mud and snow. The widened lateral grooves enhance traction in muddy conditions, while the longitudinal tread patterns improve snow traction. These tires are slightly softer than regular ones and less prone to hardening in low temperatures. However, they are essentially all-season tires and far inferior to true winter tires in snowy conditions. For drivers in the south, M+S tires are completely sufficient, but in northern winters with ice, studded snow tires are recommended. Additionally, the treads of these tires tend to trap small stones, so it's good to clean them periodically.
Last time the tire shop owner explained to me that the M+S marking on tires stands for Mud and Snow tires. Regular tires tend to slip easily in snowy conditions, while these tires are specifically designed with deeper tread grooves for better traction in rain and snow. But don't expect them to solve all problems - my friend in Northeast China still experienced slipping with them. The rubber compound remains unchanged, so they'll still harden at -10°C. True winter tires feature a mountain snowflake symbol on the tread and temperature markings on the sidewall - those are designed for extreme cold. When purchasing, directly ask the shop if the tires carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol to be sure.
